Is ageism alive and kicking?

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Research from the Department for Work and Pensions has shown that age discrimination is still a problem in Britain today.

The Attitude to Age report showed that one third of those asked said that they had experienced ageism at least once in the last year.

I have actually experienced this recently, when helping an employee of a charity.

Her organisation are restructuring, so an opportunity has opened up for a position that she’s interested in.

She spoke to the Finance Director about it, who was initially encouraging, before saying, “But wouldn’t it be better to give this to one of your younger colleagues?”

Unbelievable.

Stories like this – and numerous others – prove to us that ageism is alive and kicking, and all this in a charity that prides itself on helping more mature people!

The DWP survey showed that people in their 20s and 70s had experienced the most negative attitudes to their age (the employee I was helping was in her 50s).

Those in their 70s actually experienced more positive attitudes than those in their 20s, and were seen as “friendlier, having higher moral standards and as being more competent” than young people.

Employees in their 40s and 50s were seen in the most positive light.

With skilled staff in short supply, it really doesn’t make sense for employers to limit their choice even more.

Why allow ageism to play a part in your hiring process?

All employees, whatever their age, bring uniquely different skills and strengths.

And when you get the right blend of these skills and strengths in your team, it’ll lead to a balanced, adaptable and effective team. You can’t make assumptions either – young people aren’t automatically fresher in their thinking, nor are all old people afraid of technology.

Some of the benefits that older workers can bring to your company:

Can mentor less experienced staff

Tend to be more reliable

Considered to have a stronger work ethic

More willing to work flexibly according to business needs

Bring a diversity of thought/approach to team projects

Younger workers also have unique skills, which they can bring in to your business to help you meet your goals. Take the findings of a survey by Pew Social Trends on millennial employees (18 to 29 years old):

Stronger grasp of technology than older people

More able to use social media

More racially tolerant

It is important to be clear that these are just trends: not all older and young people will have these traits.

When you allow these skills to be brought together in your firm, your business will be more diverse, adaptable and innovative.

And businesses today need to have every advantage they can in the current business environment!

If you know of a business that could do with our help, please let us know – we always reward referrals with chocolate!

If you have a question about anything I've mentioned in this post, or about HR in general, send me your question via the form below and I'll give you an answer.

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If you are an employee and feel that you have been treated badly, then we strongly advise you to contact ACAS:

Call the ACAS Helpline on 0300 123 1100 for free support and advice.

Simply get in touch and they'll provide you with clear and confidential guidance about any kind of dispute or query that you have about relationship issues within the workplace.

You may want to know about employment rights and rules, best practice or you may need advice about a dispute.

Whatever it is, just give ACAS a call, their team are on hand to respond within the hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm.

About Carolyne Wahlen

Carolyne is the founder and owner of Gap HR. She's seen what works in HR and what doesn’t, and has practical answers to real problems that small businesses can apply with immediate effect.

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About Carolyne Wahlen, Gap HR Founder

Hi, I'm Carolyne Wahlen, I formed Gap HR Services with the express aim of helping small businesses. I offer expert HR support on an outsourcing basis to companies that do not require an in-house HR Manager. Call me now on 01491 699 550 to stay tribunal free